INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

All classes are taught by Maureen Carlson with the exception of guest teachers brought in for specific classes. Any of the classes taught by Maureen can be privately scheduled as long as there are at least 6 interested students. Note: There may be changes in this schedule due to the nature of life.

MAUREEN CARLSON has been working with polymer clay since 1979, when fellow artist Anne Fisher from the Minnesota Renaissance Festival suggested that she use it for creating her Wee Folk. Since then she has written numerous how-to magazine articles, 5 polymer clay books for Hot Off The Press, including the popular FIMO FOLK. In 2004 she wrote Art Faces in Clay, her first book for Design Originals. Her fifth book for North Light Books is Fairies, Gnomes and Trolls, released in November 2006. She is a frequent guest on the Carol Duvall show on HGTV. She and her husband, Dan, have produced 5 teaching videos, with their first video, MUG DWELLERS AND WEE FOLK, being the initial product for their mail order business, Wee Folk Creations. Dan and Maureen opened the Wee Folk Creations Creative Center in 1999, changing its name in 2002 to Maureen Carlson's Center for Creative Arts.

Maureen Martin April 4 - 6, 2008 Class

PS. If you must know - Maureen has also “worked” some in her life, which lead to an MA in children’s literature, many years of teaching special education, and the raising of four wonderful children while being married to a totally right-brainer but very supportive husband! The fun really started when she opened the Joyful Dress Studio where artful wear is created and/or discovered for YOU or by YOU with YOU in mind!

Lindly Haunani - in July Lindly, from Cabin John, Maryland, is an artist with a lifelong fascination with colorful repeated patterns. Working with polymer clay is a joyful and natural extension of this interest. She began teaching polymer clay workshops in 1990 and enjoys traveling to teach and lecture. Lindly has taught hundreds of workshops and is considered to be one of the best polymer clay teachers in the country. She is a founding member of the National Polymer Clay Guild, and continues to be extremely active in the polymer clay community. When Lindly is not fantasizing about growing up and possibly becoming a food stylist, a fabric designer or stand-up comic...she can be found travelling around the country to teach polymer clay workshops. The combination of her masterful understanding of color, gentle empowering teaching style, and sense of humor brings "magic" to the polymer clay classroom. For more information, please visit http://www.lindlyhaunani.com

 

DIANE KEELER - in June Diane has been sculpting dolls since the mid 80's. Her almost-real-enough-to-breathe ART DOLLS are in collections world-wide. Her dolls have been featured in Contemporary Doll Collector magazine, Dolls the Collector and Doll Reader as well as in numerous other publications. Diane is a member of NIADA and ODACA and travels nationally and internationally to teach. Diane lives and creates in Luck, Wisconsin. Check out her dolls at http://www.dianekeeler.com and at http://www.niada.org/DianeKeeler

BARBARA KOBE in February, March, September and October Barbara, from Crystal, Minnesota, has been making art dolls, therapeutic dolls and puppets for over ten years. She has a BA in psychology, is a student of art therapy and has over twenty years experience as a graphic artist. She is a creativity and expressive arts coach. She is an expert at using a variety of materials to create shape, color, textures and moods for her dolls, which evoke feelings of mystery and awe. People say her dolls are very expressive and full of emotion. She says that is her intention as well as the creation of an image that has the potential to nurture personal growth and healing. Access her web site at www.barbkobe.com http://www.barbkobe.com

Victoria Hughes in October